DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro 9, the major new version of its image-processing software. DxO Optics Pro 9 introduces PRIME, a revolutionary noise reduction technology whose spectacular performance produces detailed and vividly-colored images even under the most extreme shooting conditions.

Based on DxO Labs’ exclusive approach of prior calibration of equipment in its laboratories, DxO Optics Pro integrates many powerful tools for automatically processing RAW and JPEG images: precise optical and geometric corrections, intelligent optimization of exposure and contrast, preservation of colors and details. Its numerous presets can be adapted to photographers’ personal tastes and will help them bring out the best in their photos in just a few clicks.

Breathtaking images, even at extremely high ISO

Thanks to PRIME (Probabilistic Raw IMage Enhancement) denoising technology, which analyzes the structure of RAW images in depth in order to differentiate between noise and fine details, DxO Optics Pro 9 offers a gain in image quality of up to one full stop over the best noise reduction algorithms currently on the market.

“In contrast to the usual approach of finding a better compromise between image quality and execution speed, we have created a tool whose sole purpose is to obtain the best image quality possible,” explained Frédéric Guichard, Chief Scientific Officer of DxO Labs. “For each pixel, more than a thousand neighboring pixels are analyzed. This vast exploration allows DxO Optics Pro to identify similar data that can serve to reconstruct image information. Several minutes may be required to do this, but this process takes place in the background, so users can work on other images and projects while they wait for the results.”

PRIME technology results in truly spectacular images: noise is suppressed, and textures, details, and color saturation are preserved, particularly in shadows, for a beautifully natural look.

For photographers who prefer to denoise their images immediately, DxO Optics Pro 9 still offers a newly-improved high-quality “classic” denoising tool that produces finely-detailed renderings quickly, even at the highest sensitivities.

Unrivaled highlight management and color rendering

The exclusive DxO Smart Lighting feature optimizes the overall contrast of an image by intelligently adapting to its contents. This tool has been further improved in DxO Optics Pro 9, which now offers even more powerful highlight management: details that once were thought lost are revealed, even when the information is missing in the original RAW data, and colorimetric errors are minimized.

DxO Labs’ highly precise knowledge of the way each camera reproduces color allows DxO Optics Pro to emulate the rendering of any camera on RAW images. DxO Optics Pro 9 goes even further by proposing a new color rendering called “DxO Portrait,” which preserves skin tones and naturally-saturated colors.

New visual presets

DxO Optics Pro 9’s library of presets has been completely redesigned. Portrait, Landscape, Black & White, Single-shot HDR: the new DxO presets respond to different use cases that photographers frequently encounter, and are supplemented by “Atmospheres,” a new set of creative renderings.

A new visual presets window makes it easier for users choose which preset to apply to their images by letting them preview thumbnails of the rendering effects prior to application.

New export tools

DxO Optics Pro 9 simplifies its workflow by allowing photographers to go directly from customizing their images to using and sharing them.

The “Export to Disk” feature lets users generate and save JPEG, TIFF, and DNG images in just a few clicks. The new “Export to Application” feature groups into a single transaction both processing and opening images in an external application, such as other DxO software products or other editors that specialize in photo retouching, panoramic shots, HDR, and cataloguing. Finally, the “Export to Flickr” feature adopts this same new approach, letting users process and publish their photos directly online in just one step.

Even more comfortable and productive

The DxO Optics Pro interface has undergone another evolution, with a new workspace that highlights essential correction tools, optimizes vertical space, and reorganizes toolbars and palettes in an even more logical fashion. Further, it is now possible to access context-sensitive help directly in the correction palettes.

Availability and special introductory offer

The Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro 9 for Mac and Windows are now available in the DxO Labs line store (shop.dxo.com) and at photo resellers at a special discount through November 20, 2013:

Photographers who acquired a DxO Optics Pro 8 license on or after September 1, 2013, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 9. Other customers can benefit from a special discount on their upgrade directly from their customer account through November 20, 2013.

DxO Labs develops image processing technologies. In addition to its DxO Optics Pro and DxO FilmPack products for Mac and Windows, designed for serious and demanding photographers, the company also licenses diverse solutions for the principal actors in the imaging industry:

MindShift Gear announced that in January 2014 it will release the world’s first rotating day hiker backpack, the rotation180° Panorama. Designed for hikers who carry cameras, binoculars, GPS devices, nature identification books, maps, iPads, and more, the rotation180° Panorama’s beltpack rotates to the front for quick gear access and without first having to take off the backpack or even stop hiking. Detailed information can be found at http://www.mindshiftgear.com/products/rotation180-panorama.

“We want to create a mind shift in the way that people think about hiking and their interaction with nature,” said MindShift Gear’s founder and president Doug Murdoch. “The rotation180° Panorama was designed for any lover of the out-of-doors who has ever been frustrated that they’ve had to take off their pack to access something. With this new rotating backpack, whatever they value they can rotate to the front of their body. Like the advent of hydration reservoirs, which allowed quick access to fluids, our rotating technology has the potential to increase their enjoyment and experience of being outdoors.”

Lightweight at under three pounds, the rotation180° Panorama backpack will be available in two colors, Charcoal and Tahoe Blue. It will feature two tripod carrying options and an extra-large dedicated 100 oz./3 ltr capacity hydration reservoir pocket. It will have additional room for a jacket, hat, gloves, lunch, and more. The removable beltpack can be worn separately for shorter outings. The breathable padded airflow harness with daisy chain includes an adjustable sternum strap and load lifters. And, at its design core, it has a pre-curved back panel with single aluminum stay for pack stability.

Available for sale separately will be accessories that enhance the backpack’s functionality. These include the Lens SwitchCase that attaches to the beltpack, the Tripod Suspension Kit, the Panorama Photo Insert for extra carrying capacity for photo gear, and the Panorama Raincover specifically tailored to function with the rotation 180 technology.

MindShift Gear (www.mindshiftgear.com) is a group of committed professional photographers and product designers who support conservation and protection of our natural resources. Founded by the creators of Think Tank Photo and conservation photographer Daniel Beltrá, MindShift is dedicated to building carrying solutions for those who are passionate about experiencing the natural world. Their slogan, “Engage with nature,” challenges people to not only become involved in outdoor activities, but to create a conversation about nature and our relationship to the environment.

MindShift Gear (the outdoor photography bag spin-off company of Think Tank Photo) announces the release of its multi-purpose Contact Sheet. Designed for photographers who work in wet or dirty environments and who need a clean, dry work area, this 3.5’ x 5’ ultralight, waterproof ground tarp provides a barrier from the elements. The 3.5’x5’ Contact Sheet stuffs into a mesh pouch for easy transportation and storage.

The Contact Sheet solves one of nature and outdoor photographers’ biggest headaches, which is how to create a safe work area when operating remotely in the out-of-doors. Made of a mixture of 30D Ripstop PU and Nylon mesh, it can easily be spread out and valuable electronics gear laid on it safe in the knowledge that it is protected from the elements.

MindShift Gear (www.mindshiftgear.com) is a group of professional photographers and designers committed to conservation of our natural resources and global environment. Founded by the creators of Think Tank Photo and conservation photographer Daniel Beltrá, MindShift is dedicated to building carrying solutions for those who are passionate about experiencing the natural world. Their slogan, “Engage with nature,” challenges people to not only become involved in outdoor activities, but to create a conversation about nature and our relationship to the environment.

I’ve been using the new Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 card reader for image transfer. It is a multi-card reader because you can access multiple cards simultaneously and you can do card to card transfers.

Being USB 3.0 the transfers are fast (depending on the memory card) and very reliable. I’ve had no issues at all with the unit while I’ve been using it.

The Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader leverages SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology to offer high-speed file transfers with a USB interface read speed of up to 500MB/s, and is up to five times faster than USB 2.0.* The reader also features a convenient pop-up design mechanism to protect the card slots when the reader is not in use and comes with a USB 3.0 cable cord. A blue LED activity light lets users know when data is being transferred.

Over the weekend I upgraded our home WiFi network to the recently released Netgear R6300 WiFi Router.

This router supports all protocols up to the new 802.11ac standard. Plus it features simultaneous band technology and gives greater speed when using the older n and g standards. It supports GigaBit Ethernet for the four wired ports.

This is a great device. Installation and setup is VERY easy and the speed is fantastic. Even though we are currently only running n devices, rather than the new ac, we got significantly faster networking and much better response with multiple devices using WiFi simultaneously.

The just announced Microsoft Surface looks to be a good device for photographers and digital artists.

One of the commonly skipped over features of the new Microsoft Surface is the inclusion of a pressure sensitive pen in addition to the finger touch interface. Now while there are many pens for the iPad and even one pressure sensitive option that uses Bluetooth to transmit the pressure information to specially written software, it is not the same as having pressure sensitivity integrated into the operating system and so more likely to be supported by a wide range of apps.

Real details on the Surface are few and far between, so we don’t know how many levels of pressure sensitivity are supported. But any number will be a big help and I can’t see any reason why it would be less than 256 levels, which is going to be more than enough more interesting photographic retouching and digital art applications. Note that the pressure sensitive pen appears to only be on the more expensive full Windows 8 device, not on the cheaper one.

Other features look positive for us too. USB 3 as well as a microSDXC port will make connecting cameras easy. In this way the 128GB option model may be ideal as an in-the-field image viewer and storage device, with the ability to do some reasonable preliminary editing as well.

We live in interesting times and not all of that is negative stuff. The Surface just might provide the long awaited competition for the iPad. Competition helps us, the consumer, and if Microsoft gets it right then we may all be better off.

Microsoft can do hardware right. I’ve always preferred their mice over everyone else’s, especially Apple’s, for example. So let’s give them a chance and see what they deliver when the Surface actually ships. I know I’ll be extremely keen to try one out.

Microsoft-made hardware to be available starting with release of Windows 8 and Windows RT.

LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Today at an event in Hollywood, Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows. Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.

Advances in Industrial Design

Conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company’s 30-year history manufacturing hardware, Surface represents a unique vision for the seamless expression of entertainment and creativity. Extensive investment in industrial design and real user experience includes the following highlights:

Software takes center stage: Surface sports a full-sized USB port and a 16:9 aspect ratio – the industry standard for HD. It has edges angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand out.

VaporMg: The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.

Integrated Kickstand: The unique VaporMg approach also enables a built-in kickstand that lets you transition Surface from active use to passive consumption – watching a movie or even using the HD front- or rear-facing video cameras. The kickstand is there when needed, and disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.

Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.

An Amazing Windows Experience

Two models of Surface will be available: one running an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and one with a third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. From the fast and fluid interface, to the ease of connecting you to the people, information and apps that users care about most, Surface will be a premium way to experience all that Windows has to offer. Surface for Windows RT will release with the general availability of Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later. Both will be sold in the Microsoft Store locations in the U.S. and available through select online Microsoft Stores.

Contributing to an Expanded Ecosystem

One of the strengths of Windows is its extensive ecosystem of software and hardware partners, delivering selection and choice that makes a customer’s Windows experience uniquely their own. This continues with Surface. Microsoft is delivering a unique contribution to an already strong and growing ecosystem of functional and stylish devices delivered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bring the experience of Windows to consumers and businesses around the globe.

Additional Product Information

Surface for Windows RT

Surface for Windows 8 Pro

OS

Windows RT

Windows 8 Pro

Light(1)

676 g

903 g

Thin(2)

9.3 mm

13.5 mm

Clear

10.6″ ClearType HD Display

10.6″ ClearType Full HD Display

Energized

31.5 W-h

42 W-h

Connected

microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video,

2×2 MIMO antennae

microSDXC, USB 3.0,
Mini DisplayPort Video,
2×2 MIMO antennae

Productive

Office ’15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type

Cover

Touch Cover, Type Cover,
Pen with Palm Block

Practical

VaporMg Case & Stand

VaporMg Case & Stand

Configurable

32 GB, 64 GB

64 GB, 128 GB

(1, 2 ) Actual size and weight of the device may vary due to configuration and manufacturing process

Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC. OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Some information relates to a prerelease product, which may be substantially modified before it is commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — D-Link today announced its SharePort™ All-in-One Mobile Companion (DIR-505) – an innovative new product every tablet and smartphone owner needs – is now shipping. SharePort offers instant USB sharing capabilities with the free D-Link SharePort™ Mobile app, enabling users to share videos, music, and photos from an external hard drive or thumb drive to any iPad®, iPhone® or Android® device. In addition, SharePort provides wireless access wherever an existing network is available and adds instant storage to a mobile device, offering the ultimate set of features for home or on-the-go convenience.

“SharePort is an all-in-one mobile companion that is ideal for anyone who enjoys playing music, movies or viewing photos from their iPad, iPhone or Android device,”said Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of marketing, D-Link North America. “It allows for easy sharing of media to Android and iOS mobile devices. Plus, SharePort instantly adds storage to your mobile device and can also serve as a portable router/access point, Wi-Fi hotspot and Wi-Fi repeater for instant wireless access from anywhere a network already exists, whether at home or traveling.”

Smaller than a standard mouse, the easy-to-use SharePort offers instant Wi-Fi coupled with a range of useful features designed for today’s mobile professional. The free SharePort Cloud app for both Android and iOS offers access to videos, music, photos, and files on Android and iOS mobile devices. Simply plug SharePort into an outlet, wait for the red light to turn green and insert a thumb drive in order to join a network or access media via the SharePort app. SharePort also features a USB port for sharing content from a USB storage device or charging smartphones, as well as an Ethernet port that enables users to easily connect to an existing network in a conference room or hotel room.

More about the D-Link SharePort (DIR-505)

SharePort offers a range of features in an affordable, compact device:

USB Port for seamlessly viewing and synchronizing videos, music, photos, and more from a connected USB storage device to any iOS or Android tablet, smartphone or computer

Ability to act as an Access Point to wirelessly extend an existing network

10/100 Ethernet Port

Built in AC plug for easy traveling and use – no additional cables or power adapters required

USB Port for charging a smartphone device (when not used with a USB storage device)

Availability and Pricing

The SharePort (DIR-505) is available now for $69.99 throughout D-Link’s network of U.S. e-tail and retail outlets, including Amazon.com, Office Depot and Office Max, and at the company’s online store.

About D-Link

D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit www.dlink.com, or connect with D-Link on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/dlink).

The new Expression XP-400 offers busy households and students superior performance with exceptional features at an affordable price. Its built-in Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ n allows multiple users to print at faster speeds and broader ranges.(2) The Expression XP-400 also offers convenient scanning and copying, advanced image enhancement tools, and all-pigment DURABrite Ultra ink for crisp documents and lab-quality photos.

EPSON Connect Mobile PrintingEpson offers several ways to print from tablets and smartphones with EPSON Connect. Users can conveniently print documents, photos, e-mail, and web pages from their home or office, even across the globe with the new Expression XP-400, and a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Email Print – Remotely send documents and photos directly to an EPSON printer’s unique e-mail address to easily print from a smartphone or other mobile device

EPSON iPrint™ – Print web pages, Microsoft Office documents, photos, and PDFs over a wireless network with this free app; also scan and save files on a mobile device, send it as an e-mail or upload it to a cloud service such as Box.net, Dropbox, Evernote® or Google Docs™

Eco-friendly features, including ENERGY STAR® qualified, RoHS compliant and designed to be recycled(4)

Pricing and AvailabilityThe EPSON Expression Home XP-400 ($99.99*) will be available in June through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores nationwide and Epson’s retail site, www.epsonstore.com. For more information, please visit www.epson.com.

About EpsonEpson is a global imaging and innovation leader whose product lineup ranges from inkjet printers and 3LCD projectors to sensors and other microdevices. Dedicated to exceeding the vision of its customers worldwide, Epson delivers customer value based on compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies in markets spanning enterprise and the home to commerce and industry. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 75,000 employees in 97 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates. To learn more about Epson, please visit http://global.epson.com.

Specifications are subject to change without notice. EPSON, DURABrite and Expression are registered trademarks, EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark, and EPSON Connect and EPSON iPrint are trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. BorderFree is a registered trademark, and Small-in-One is a trademark of Epson America, Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks